Welcome to Snow White Coffee
At Snow White Coffee, nestled in the heart of Oakland, we celebrate community and flavor with our rich history. Founded in a former dry cleaner, this cozy spot offers a unique escape from the bustling chain shops. Our personable proprietor brings character and charm, serving meticulously crafted beverages, from velvety lattes to rich mochas. The inviting outdoor seating, paired with delicious Starter pastries, creates a delightful ambiance to unwind. With each cup, we honor the local spirit, emphasizing quality and connection. Join us, and experience coffee that not only tastes good but feels good, too. Welcome to your neighborhood gem!
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3824 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 Hotline: (510) 808-7655
Welcome to Snow White Coffee, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Oakland at 3824 Piedmont Ave. This charming bakery and coffee shop is not just about great brews; it’s about atmosphere, character, and a unique backstory that adds to its appeal.
Initially the site of Snow White Cleaners, the brand pays homage to its roots while creating a cozy environment perfect for those who appreciate authenticity over corporate chains. The shop has maintained an inviting charm, with a funky outdoor seating area that beckons coffee aficionados to enjoy their drinks in the fresh air.
At Snow White Coffee, the beverage menu is refreshingly straightforward yet delivers on flavor and quality. From the warm notes of a Bellaccino for just $1.50 to a satisfying Cappuccino priced at $3.75, there's something for every palate. Regulars rave about the Oakland Chill ($4.50) – a smooth and subtly sweet concoction that’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a quick escape from the hustle and bustle nearby. If you're feeling adventurous, try their delightful ice creams with olive oil and sea salt ($4.00), or indulge in an affogato ($5.50) that artfully combines espresso with creamy gelato.
- Standout Beverages:
- Espresso: Praised for its great texture and the hint of citrus undertones.
- Mocha: A must-try for chocolate lovers!
- Chai Latte: Renowned for its aromatic, herbal profile.
Listening to customer reviews, it becomes clear that the essence of Snow White Coffee extends beyond its menu. Local patrons enjoy the quirky atmosphere, where sarcasm and banter are part of the charm, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate a genuine connection with their barista. A customer named Michael C. shared how the gruff exterior of the owner gave way to engaging conversations about the shop’s history, adding depth to the experience.
In a world where big chains dominate, Snow White Coffee stands tall as a neighborhood staple. With its collection of well-crafted beverages and enticing pastries from Starter, each visit feels personal. If you find yourself in the Oakland area, consider stopping by this adorable nook – where good coffee meets local history and customer camaraderie.
So, grab a friend, take a seat in their outdoor parklet, and enjoy your "Snow White Day" with a cup of expertly brewed coffee at this cozy little haunt. Your taste buds will thank you!
Cute little shop that is a nice departure from chain shops, or places folks might camp out all day just for the wifi. The proprietor seemed a little gruff at first, but after a short chat about the origins of the shop, and the coffee, the experience comes together. The coffee was good, the shop is clean, and there is a funky little outdoor seating area. It's fun that the name comes from the fact that the location used to be Snow White Cleaners, which was there for decades, and whose former proprietor is the landlord and lives above the coffee shop. A cool Oakland hole in the wall with a little history, some character, good coffee, and a proprietor with some personality instead of a corporate robot. Think globally, buy locally, and support your neighborhood small business. It's pretty easy when the coffee is this good.
I got an espresso and an oat milk macchiato. Both were very good. The espresso had great texture and crema. The flavors weren't intense but it wasn't bitter or burnt and low on acidity. I tasted citrus undertones. The oat milk in the macchiato added good texture to the espresso.
It's a coffee menu like every other place..... except it actually tastes good! Service is great, sarcasm and cynicism are frequent here, so if that's your bag, then come on in! They make your drink before they ring you up and it's usually one person working at a time, so be nice to someone who's making your latte!! #haveaSnowWhiteDay
My go to coffee every time I need to go in to Kaiser. A quick walk across the street for great coffee. I usually get the Oakland Chill, very smooth and just enough sweetness. The staff is equally chill... in Oakland. Bad pun. It's not a big place but that does not matter when all you want is a quality cup of coffee after checkup.
Awesome shop, and my go to coffee shop. Convenient location on the southern end of the Piedmont Ave strip, friendly staff, reasonable prices, and pastries from Starter in addition to the espresso. On a nice day they have a parklet out front which is great to sit at.
Been here a few times for coffee and overall coffee is consistently pretty good. It is a small place, not a place to hangout or do work but a good spot to grab an espresso or latte to go.
This review is long overdue, but I believe it's better late than never. I had the experience of enjoying iced mochas with my wife here on several occasions, and it was some of the best in the neighborhood. The atmosphere was so great, that we spoke with the owners, Alex and Kim, who allowed us to shoot a few scenes for our film, Ghosted, here which is now available on sites like Tubi (https://link.tubi.tv/evpZji8i5Mb). If you're looking for a clean and quiet environment to enjoy coffee, stop by here!
Simple coffee shop. More outdoor seating is a fine improvement. Few bells and whistles but beautiful murals and well crafted coffees with Starter pastries.
Stopped by here for a chai latte when visiting friends in the area one time. It's a cozy tea and coffee shop (& some snacks) with all outdoor seating. The owner let me know that it would take a little longer to make the chai latte. Was best loose herb based chai latte I've ever had! Strong and aromatic too. Definitely a neighborhood gem for the locals.